Audio Interface vs Mixer vs USB Mixer: Which One Do You Need?

[@AudioUniversity]

Need help setting up your studio? Check out these free resources I've created for you... Recording Studio Checklist: audiouniversityonline.com/free-home-studio-checklist/ Speaker Placement Guide: audiouniversityonline.com/speaker-placement-guide/

[@RpaRalte]

Please, explain how to use USB Mixer for live band performance, but, using DAW and its effects for live vocal, backing track and click tracks.

[@mikaashton2152]

I just picked up a thomann 10 channel mixer with usb for home recording. I don't need that many channels but for the price I thought hey I can do a small band if i need too. Basically I got it so when i record at home I don't have to plug in different instruments every time and adjust levels . I mainly use Guitars , Bass , Flute , Vocals and then programmed drums - with all these channels I can record a lot more efficiently. Cheers again for your channel .you make it so easy to understand these things .keep up the good work !!

[@PlasticKelly]

I record directly into my 1990s Roland VS880, I bought new like 25 years ago, and then use that for mixing too. Then playback the analog signal into the computer microphone inline using Audacity for final mix (freeware), storing directly on computer hard drive. Not a bad way for these old geezers to lay down some tracks. My channel has a few tunes the band recorded this way.

[@AudioUniversity]

Nice setup! Thanks for sharing!

[@johndough4338]

...hello friend, I need some advice on how I can use a tascam 32 track recorder, along with a computer audio interface? I admit, I'm kind of new to this whole computer thing. Do you have any contact information? Please respond, I'm looking for someone that knows about the older stand alone track recorders, and the computer audio interfaces.

[@mj-by8bt]

Audio interface: - best for musicians recording to a DAW, where they want to record 1-2 tracks at a time while listening to the existing tracks via headphones; most USB mixers don't support this workflow, or makes it very difficult to do Audio mixer with USB: - best for anyone who needs live audio rather than recording e.g. for a live performance, broadcast, or Zoom call, where a DAW isn't involved in the workflow Some devices can simultaneously be both e.g. Soundcraft Notepad, Behringer X32, but most devices are just one or the other.

[@AudioUniversity]

Nice explanation, @mjxmusic! Well said! Thanks!

[@marcusj17]

If I were livestreaming, would it be better to use an audio interface and use the mixer in OBS or should I straight up just get an audio mixer?

[@lythnork6131]

I want to make a podcast with 3 microphones, which one should I buy and any model that you recommend?

[@thomaswenker]

Cant you just plug your headphones directly into your pc/laptop if you want to listen to your daws output while recording?

[@KiranChavda]

Yes​@@thomaswenker

[@johnnyfredd]

So i want to start a home studio and I've been looking whats better for me. I have a microphone , a keyboard piano , a digital piano and i want to learn guitar. My questions are 1) do i need a mixer or an interface for all those 2)if mixer , if i connect it with my laptop will it send my recordings mixed straight from the mixer and 3) do i need a microphone to record my digital piano or a cable straight to the mixer or interface !!

[@marjorie3846]

Well put! Easy to understand. Hope all tutorial vids are like this!

[@switch1e]

Love your vids so much. The presentation is great, the videos are to the point, and your delivery is smooth and relaxing

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you like them! Thanks!

[@EstyloTv]

i have the same mixer.. so why do i see people using both.. ?? mixer with the audio interface... does it help with noise reduction or something. whats the benefits if any ?

[@Lippdinos]

OP, Thank you for this very simply and clarifying video! I know nothing about the subject and am trying to learn I believe your videos are the perfect place to start! Cheers!

[@violin-schwerin]

I use a UltraliteAVB , which is excellent for recording and very expandable. It’s also ok for mixing, but not for live mixing. you don't need proprietary Software to use the mixer, which is fantastic

[@normbarrows2]

Back in the day, I used to plug the guitar into the mic jack on a sound card in the PC. The sound card had an ADC chip and a DAC. We could monitor in real time while recoding, no delays, no problems. I'd use the .wav editor software that came with the card to slice samples into loops and then edit it all into a full song. We'd use an Alesis drum machine, and record analog rhythm guitar, bass guitar, lead guitar, keyboards, and vocals. Everything was recorded directly to the hard drive. We only used the Mackie-16 when jamming, not recording. Samples were recorded one at a time. We'd start with a drum loop, then play that back (as a metronome) while recoding the other samples. Any PC can do that these days, you're just limited to one stereo channel in and one stereo channel out on the 3.5mm stereo jacks for the built-in sound card on a modern PC. Before PCs, I used two cassette decks. Record onto one channel of the 1st tape deck. Play that back to one channel of the 2nd deck while recording the next track onto the other channel. Repeat until you've built up all your tracks.

[@WillsJazzLoft]

At the moment, I've neither. Yet, I'm leaning towards a mixer because I'm experiencing difficulty getting the audio interface that I want. There are a few USB powered mixers out there; so my assumption is that they are 'class compliant'.

[@SingerAmrit]

Good information, I am using an audio interface for mixing and mastering on my computer

[@akekestory493]

Perfect vid I more questions to throw but this broke down every simply I use just a mixer I want record my music but don't have space for more equipment than what I already have for djing

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks! Glad you liked the video.

[@v1ken]

If my mixer comes with USB (aka built-in audio interface?) then i dont really need a separate audio interface, correct?

[@balbasindahaws]

can i know please. wich one is the best quality audio recorded produce. not the numbere of inputs and outputs. we need your opinion. not because the interface is small and the mixer is heavy or etc. the audio quality when recording please. wich one is the best? not what we need not knobs etc. the quality of recorded vocals.

[@AudioUniversity]

The quality isn’t dependent on mixer vs interface. They just do different things.

[@balbasindahaws]

@@AudioUniversity thank you. so you mean to say mixer and audio interface do not provide quality recorded vocal. what if i use rode nt1 on both. still nothing difference on the recorded vocal?

[@precosskid4867]

The quality of your recordings depend on your knowledge sir.​@@balbasindahaws

[@miguelsalami]

I run my 6 ch mixer into a Focusrite Solo then connect the Focusrite to the computer via USB cable for streaming online. Great content here TY!

[@dylanhamilton7190]

My guy! Doing the lords work, thank you!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, Dylan!

[@radstorm]

I use both. So when whatever at the time it calls for, I'm prepared :o) Mixers are a bit more fun, with all the buttons, sliders and stuff though.. lol

[@AudioUniversity]

I agree! Thanks, radstorm.

[@atwork-africa]

Should I an audio interface for a play-back situation and go from the interface into the mixer, because often audio-interfaces have a better performance/lower latency, but with mixers I can control the level for each channel easier?

[@nellysagundo6634]

Thank you for your great video - makes things much clearer. I am using a Mackie12FX mixer - unfortunately without USB-connection.. will probably have to upgrade in the future. Thinking of a Behringer mixer (air or XR)..

[@WastedPot]

I’ve got an issue and googling it is ruining me. I started with a K5 pro DAC Amp, after 30 minutes of gaming (and only gaming) I began to experience a crackling. I sent the unit back and got another assuming it was damaged but ended up with the same issue but only in one ear. I put the DAC to one side and ran an Aux cable into a Cambridge axa35, I also had crackling but it was constant now and worse with volume. I’ve since acquired a Focusrite Solo which is providing the mic input I need for VOIP but is also producing crackling in playback. Both interfaces were connected via USB and the Cambridge by Aux. I’ve used a multitude of headphones from different brands and price points and the crackling persists. I just want to be able to have any set of headphones playback audio at a higher volume than the standard windows output volume, whilst also accounting for VOIP needs with a mic, without crackling. What is my issue? Any suggestions because like I mention I’m losing the will here.

[@stevestylezradio]

I now have a wedding to dj, defintely need a mixer now . good video

[@AudioUniversity]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@ricardojsgw]

Great video! I would love to know the pros and cons between using a multi-input audio interface along with a DAW and a multi-channel digital mixer for live recording. I'm thinking about getting a Zoom L20 which I know it's not a top-of-the-line digital mixer but find it very convenient for quick recording and mixing. The audio interface way using something like a Scarlett 18i20, though might be of higher quality, seems to me the workflow won't be so smooth. What do you think?

[@LeakBanga]

I use an interface but was considering getting a mixer for hybrid mixing. Be great if you explain how to use hardware in post production

[@AudioUniversity]

That’s what the next video is about (publishes Thursday)! 3 Ways to Use a Mixer in a Studio Keep an eye out for it! Thanks for watching!

[@LeakBanga]

@@AudioUniversity Can you show me how to go from Digital to analog back to digital meaning, better definition of using analog channel strips with daws

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes! This is included in the video this Thursday. Let’s say you have recorded 2 tracks of audio. You can send those 2 tracks out of the two outputs of your audio interface and into two inputs of your mixer. Use the processing on the two channel strips (monitoring the output of the mixer so you can hear the changes). There are several ways to send these signals back to your interface. One is through the left and right output of your mixer. You could also use aux channels or group outputs. Whichever you choose, you’ll record those outputs into your DAW to replace the original tracks. (Or, to be safe, record the outputs to new tracks). I hope this helps! Thanks!

[@GoTellJesusSaves]

Currently, I have my mics running into a mixer. At home, recording a single vocal or dual drum mic track, I (usually) run the mix out through a USB audio interface into a computer (as my mixer has no USB output). This gives me more headroom with the gain and also analog EQ. I've found that it doesn't introduce any noticeable noise as my mixer has a very clean input and output. I use this setup for zoom-like video conference calls as well. If I'm drumming live, I use the mixer as a sub mixer, running the audio out into a stage XLR input to the main mixer. My mixer has high and low gain output switch, so this works flawlessly. So... in my case where I do live and home audio, I find it quite nice to have a mixer and usb interface... though I suppose a mixer with audio interface would also work very well for both situations, and would be a cheaper option as well. I really like the versatility of having a mixer. I can record a live event with multiple mics/instruments/phone/mp3, send signal to speakers, another mixer, a phone or computer via 3.5mm jack, run analog effects into the whole mix or a single instrument/mic, check my gain for each input on the meter, etc. etc. Something like the tascam all-in-ones can do all of that and more, while also being a multitrack audio interface with bluetooth connection. Expensive as it is, it's an entire system that can output to any audio equipment, saving quite a bit on money, time and space in most cases.

[@nicedubs8163]

Highly professional and very informative! Subscribed! Thank you for this video.

[@silvercat647]

That was short and informative, very helpful

[@allandiaz7420]

Thanks it clear to me the use of audio mixer, any tutorials in setting or use of the audio mixer?

[@AndreasHvilhoej]

underrated great explanation

[@riantsaqib]

I have two questions sir, please explain. First, I use a microphone that I measure has 600 ohms. Then I connect it to the mic input in the Behringer Xenyx 302 USB mixer that has an audio interface. Knob Level /Volume I position at 12 or 0 DB and Knob Regulatory Gain I position at 5 or full, the results of the indicator of the Signal Clip lights don't turn on. Even though my gain knob was full and I tested talking too hard. Is this influenced by microphone impedance that is too big? The second question that is still related to the one above. Look, on my USB mixer, after setting the gain it's right. The sound signal indicator does not come out in the recorder software. I have to open the level / volume knob so that the sound comes out in the recording software?

[@thatimpressionguy9723]

Question do the speaker monitors have to be connected to the computer necessarily

[@NickJardine]

I would like to capture videos directly to my iPhone of me playing guitar with a backing track playing over top. Don’t really want to fuss around with recording audio and video separately, just quick, KZbin shorts. I’m assuming a mixer would be best for? I was thinking of my guitar into one input, an iPhone, playing a backing track in another, output to my iPhone, and just shoot.

[@MAGNIJS]

I want my old Radiotehnika s-400 to work, but all the wiring is dead. I’m planning to fix this speaker, but don’t know what else I need for it to work perfectly. Do I need just some interface?

[@AudioUniversity]

What sound source do you want to connect to your speaker?

[@DethronerX]

Thanks. I would like to use an analog mixer with tape, for a jam and also to record on tape and then send tape recording to the computer but, if it also sends direct output to computer, that would be cool, but if not, that's fine, because I want to get the tape sound, mixed or unmixed in the machine, to the computer and would love a video on that. While an interface is the fastest for recording and mixing on the computer, it's not the sound quality and dynamics I want to work with, even if I mix on the computer. Also, can we send a mixer sound from tape or directly to an interface and then to the computer?

[@fatboiiyella]

I have a Yamaha mg10xu for studio work. Makes the mic sound weird. Switching to a presonus audio interface next week

[@johnpaulbenedict]

Im in a situation where we want a live recording as well as routing to speakers for people around. 3 microphones are in use.

[@AudioUniversity]

Check out this video, Johnpaul: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJXPZJJpj8tofJY

[@kabirbody]

So if I understand, in the case of focusrite it is not process the data? I mean my computer will do the processing? In this case I need asio4all for my computer?

[@KahyohBe]

Thanx, for posting this video, I am using a mixer from Blastking the Ultramix 244fx 24 channel mixer I think Im going to need a multi channel audio interface after watching this video for my set up and Logic pro X

[@jahseantenn4574]

Would I need a audio interface to boost my iPad output level , for playing it through my PA system

[@AudioUniversity]

If your tablet has a headphone output, you can connect it to the mixer.

[@praneethdhanushka207]

Dear Sir, your demo is productive and clear. I want to know that what is the main job of patchbay???? Thanks

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Praneeth! A patch bay is a cluster of inputs and outputs. All of the devices in a studio are connected to the patch bay, allowing you to “patch” (or connect) them together with short cables.

[@MrBritrider]

I have a Scarlet 2i2 and a Allen and Heath Zed 10FX mixer. Of the two, which would have have the best mic pres for playing electric guitar? Which of the two would offer better sound quality.

[@H4X_VLOGZ]

I have Studio Master Diamond club 12.2 mixer. Can I use it to record my guitar sound Directly to my PC and then play it back to a speaker?

[@Surbhitprasoonsingh96]

Hi! How much of a quality difference does it make (focusrite vs proper studio mixer tracking) if i need to track guitars for a song to be produced industry level

[@AudioUniversity]

Your best option for simply recording is to use an interface. A mixer isn't needed for just recording. Check out this post for help deciding which interface is right for you: Audio University Website: audiouniversityonline.com/choosing-an-audio-interface/ KZbin Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJvLeZ-AjLtmgMU Good luck! Thanks for watching.

[@Surbhitprasoonsingh96]

@@AudioUniversity thanks a ton man🖤

[@gretareinarsson7461]

So for keyboards only, almost only, setup a audio interface (plus of course midi interface) would be enough, instead of a mixer?

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes. If you are mostly recording keyboard audio and MIDI, an audio interface with at least two inputs and MIDI connections will be perfect.

[@dr_kingschultz]

Hi , thank you for this nice video. I've a USB audio interface already. But it gives low mic levels. So does it make sense to use a mixer as a preamp? Because it offers more features for almost the price of an entry-level preamp. Can i connect the mixer via usb interface to my daw? Can i get a high and clean mic levels with this way?

[@AudioUniversity]

If your levels are too low, I’d recommend moving the mic closer, increasing the source level, using a different preamp/microphone combo, or adding a Cloudlifter.

[@bullskull1166]

Great vidio! So i have the Behringer Xenyx QX2222USB... My question is, I want to record our jam sessions via video on my Android S23ultra... All I need to do is plug my phone USB C into the the mixer USB B in the back... Obviously mics into the mixer channels to record the audio... Not sure if this is a question or im asking if I'm doing this correctly? Thank you...

[@mrcrowleyoz]

What do I need to connect my phone/computer to listen to music and connect my guitar/keyboard and play along. I need to listen to this on my headphones so I can play at night. Also need to control volumes independently.

[@DannyGordonmusic]

I do live streams through OBS and I also record videos through OBS. My problem is I have a condensor mic that is picking up all the audio for both vocals and guitar. I don't know if i just need an interface or a mixer with usb interface.

[@AudioUniversity]

You should only need an interface. A mixer can help with routing things to different places, but it won’t fix your problem with leakage into your microphone. If it’s a directional mic, try aiming the mic slightly away from the guitar.

[@DannyGordonmusic]

@@AudioUniversity the condensor mic is a usb type microphone and it is the only way I have of getting audio into the computer. With only an interface would I be able to balance the guitar and mic so one doesn't override the other? Thanks in advance

[@AudioUniversity]

An interface will give you separate inputs, one for the guitar one for the microphone. Then you could mix them in a DAW. If you’re recording both with one mic at the same time, there’s no way to independently adjust the level of each.

[@All-in-Mission]

Very well explained. I am looking to buy something for my son who is a singing enthusiast. Do audio mixers have internal recording ability? Can you please name a few models of audio that have this ability?

[@AudioUniversity]

Some mixers, like the Tascam Model 12, have internal recording capabilities. But I’d recommend watching this video: Budget-Friendly Home Studio Setup: Essential Gear for Beginners kzbin.info/www/bejne/kImwd6ClmK9ma68

[@All-in-Mission]

@@AudioUniversity Thank you for the prompt response. Very much appreciated.

[@linx187]

Im host an event and need approx 2 microphones in a room for 25 people to be the sound source for a zoom meeting. Im thinking of using an audio interface to merge the mics for the zoom meeting on my laptop. Its a mixture of online meeting talking to a group in a room. I thinking the Scarlet 2i2 would work well feeding the laptop with a wireless mic receiver feeding the Scarlet Focusrite. What do you think?

[@TheMadisonHang]

I didn't realize there was such a big difference Especially in potential

[@heshisg1659]

I need an interface that gets audio from several devices (desktop, laptop, tv, smartphone) connects them to the interface and then get the audio through the heaphones (output). What do i need? Audio interface or mixer?

[@AudioUniversity]

It sounds like a mixer is best for you. Do you need to record any inputs to your computer?

[@heshisg1659]

@@AudioUniversity In the future maybe but not right now. Thx for the advice

[@AudioUniversity]

In the future, you can add an audio interface when you need recording. For now, I think a mixer is best.

[@heshisg1659]

@@AudioUniversity Thx again for the advice. I would also ask if it is possible to connect a external equalizer without an amplifier to the mixer, as i would like to have it equalize/modify the sound of the output headphones in the mixer

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes. It is possible using any method to send and return the signal from/to the mixer (insert, aux send/return, etc).

[@wualdo]

So I need a mixer if I want to be able to play music into my stream and also used a microphone?

[@slayabouts]

Are you sure that mixer can output 2 channels? I’ve been thinking about getting one to split my vocal input to have 1 clean and use the other channel’s compressor and EQ for monitoring to save on CPU, but everywhere I’ve read the xenyx interface only sends 1 summed output to the computer

[@AudioUniversity]

I may be wrong. I thought it was 1 stereo mixdown.

[@slayabouts]

@@AudioUniversity yeah, I think it is stereo, but you can split the output to send a signal for the different mic channels separately like a normal interface would. For example, if I plugged a guitar into the first channel and a vocal mic to the second, I think it would send a stereo signal of the guitar and the vocals together rather than allowing the DAW to record them onto separate tracks. Although maybe you could pan them separately and set up the DAW to record the left and right channels to separate tracks? Edit: actually I see you did that in your other video about using a mixer with an interface

[@AudioUniversity]

Exactly! Nice. That’s what I would recommend.

[@RafaelPernia]

Ive been hinge watching your videos... years after. I want to record my drumset. An interface with 8 mics is just too expensive so I thi k 4 mics may be enough for me. I was looking at an interfqce like the Scarlet 4i4 and then I saw this Xenyx that is also an interface and is cheaper and has the EQ. Is this a good idea? Thanks

[@mmmnahfam]

Exactly, the latency is the big issue for me. I needed a device for both recording and live performance and when I tried it with an audio interface the latency was just crazy, totally unusable in a live environment

[@ThinkAboutMyComment]

My interface and pre amp is super low volume. My USB mixer makes it nice and loud. But I’m worried about quality that I can’t hear. But can the software do what the electronics can or better? Should I go from my mixer to the interface just to clean the sound? Should I go from my mixer to the preamp to the interface to get the compression eq and loud volume preamp of my mixer then through the preamp to get the sound more color then through the interface to clean it? Because the preamp is doing nothing for the volume since I got low volume with the phantom power from my interface then the preamp has phantom power so I turn off the phantom power on my interface and the preamp phantom power is less powerful than the interface phantom power so I actually end up with less volume.

[@sorinoprea5365]

I haven't usb on my mixer and I record straight into my android from output, my question is if is sound quality between my regular mixer output and usb output? For short, do I need an extra audio interface to my mixer?

[@RoyBrush]

I've gotten by with an audio interface so far, but I've been doing some online live events recently, and I'm thinking of adding a mixer, because I'd really like my monitor output to be mixed differently than what the audience hears, which unfortunately isn't possible (at least not easily) with the focusrite I'm using. I was thinking of adding a mixer into my setup to run my mic, guitar, and whatever else into that first, mix them there, and then either output that mixed signal into the audio interface, or if the mixer had usb, use that. Thanks for making this video. :)

[@grant_vine]

Would it be acceptable to go from a foot pedal (fed from guitar) into a line input on the bone amp inputs - is the amp effects etc on the pedal going to be strong enough or do they expect a further amplification?

[@Pawts]

I'm using a Behringer Q802 USB mixer, this has a built-in audio interface, will there be a difference if I connect this mixer to a separate audio interface?

[@josephemmanuelgerard287]

hi, just purchased M2 Macbook Pro 13. to use Mainstage 3. (new to DAW). Do I really need an audio Interface?, as the Laptop audio out is an analog and not digital. Will an usb mixer be a right choice for Mainstage 3. regards

[@BabuManabu]

Question if i have a mixer instead of an audio interface will my headphones sound better than the built in audio card on my pc?

[@NFSgamingEvo]

Thank you ,but i only want a device that dont make audio noises ,right know i hava an old behringer UCA 200U what device you recommend me yo buy ?

[@CtlinMunteanu]

so if i need for exemple for my synths, drummmachine or another muisc instruments and also for a podacast for two persons what should i chose?

[@JamesNoteology]

Great video, I would like to know which of the inputs to use on a keyboard and what levels I should use from a keyboard to the input?

[@AudioUniversity]

Which mixer or interface are you using?

[@Tony.Visual]

I just need something to record into my computer and i found a cheap mixer with usb, i can still record my bass into the computer as it should be with audio interface?

[@JoeyRam.]

So, for a drum set recording with more than 8 mics., a mixer is the best way to go?

[@AudioUniversity]

It depends on your budget and situation. Will you be recording a live performance with speakers reinforcing the sound to an audience? If so, a mixer with a built-in interface or a mixer that feeds a separate interface is best. With the ability to route audio with a mixer from various sources to various destinations, the possibilities are endless. (headphone mixes, outboard gear, etc.). Mixer Buying Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHeqmnR6aNF5qtE If you only need to record, you can get the best value by going with an interface. Audio Interface Buying Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJvLeZ-AjLtmgMU I hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@jove.evranson5650]

I bought a mixer. Correct me if im.wrong, but i was hoping i.could map each input into.different audio tracks in Adobe Audition, but instead it only provides me one input in the software. So.as a result, i cant separate vocal and audio tracks. Haha sorry about the explanation i hope u understand what i mean. Now what im.thinking is, maybe my mixer has a problem? Or i shouldve bought a sound card or interface? instead. Please help me out.

[@AudioUniversity]

Many mixers only allow a stereo input like you’re describing. There are many that do offer more input channels over USB. How many channels do you want to record at once?

[@jove.evranson5650]

@@AudioUniversity hmm i was hoping 2-4 thats why i bought a 6 channel mixer. Hahaha i really thought i could but i was proven wrong by the product. But really, i just want to record at least 2 separate tracks from 2 different inputs. Haha so i can edit them individually. Atleast idk if thats possible. Hahaha

[@AudioUniversity]

You might be able to pan one instrument to the left and the other instrument to the right to keep them on separate tracks. I recommend this small mixer that does 4-track recording through USB: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poCopmOehLOZrbM

[@radomiruskokovic4939]

Can you explain to me what are inputs and outputs in terms of audio, im new to this and i would get things easier if i knew what inputs and outputs were. I think im starting to get it but i would appreciate it if you explained this to me. Once again im completely new to this so sorry if this is a stupid question.

[@AudioUniversity]

Outputs are for sending audio out of a device. Your phone might have a headphone output. Inputs are for receiving audio from another devices output. Maybe you connect the output of your phone to the input of your mixer.

[@radomiruskokovic4939]

@@AudioUniversity Yup thats exactly what i was thinking, i get it now, thank you, your videos are very helpfull

[@andriyaniliev3344]

Hello! 😊 I recently started learning how to make music at Ableton. I was told that I need an audio interface, but I really want to know if a mixer can do the same job, because I see that in the same price ranges, the mixers offer much more options than the audio interface and for me, who comes, I like to mix house music, the mixer is what will work for me much more plus i see that they are a lot more cheaper than dj mixer. Anyway, if the audio interface is better in some things, then I would get an audio interface. could you help me please My English is very poor and I use google translate. I hope the translation is good and you understand what I am saying.

[@mycreations4527]

On the topic of pricing what would you consider to be the best option? I currently have a D Debra 4 channel audio mixer that cost roughly the same amount as the Scarlet Interface. I’m this case do you think mixers offer more at the same price?

[@johnsagnella2294]

The mixer adds more punch to my instruments and allows me to cotrol the source before the recording, so I use a mixer before my interface. Is that reasonable?

[@DayaSagarKundal]

We use mixer in our live church service. We give input to computer that plays obs. But keyboard or drum set collapse all the audio. Voice burst. Please give any solution

[@RussTobin]

I’m new to this. But I would like to film KZbin Videos with 2 keyboards playing with MP3 songs. Both keyboards have Midi. Would I use an Audio Interface or a Mixer? Thanks, Russ

[@AudioUniversity]

In order to record the sound to your computer, you'll need an audio interface. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJvLeZ-AjLtmgMU

[@Chekhop]

I never doing recording, I just curious, how about audio quality between digital mixer vs audio interface?

[@AudioUniversity]

In theory, most interfaces and digital mixers are equal in sound quality because they generally use the same technology. The quality differences arise out of the quality of the preamps, analog to digital converters, and digital to analog converters.

[@GeoffreyUrch]

Hi, I have liked and subscribed nice video. I have a monitor connected to my Ipad pro with the Apple connector for Karaoke and I have a new mixer with Bluetooth & usb could I use one of these or would It be better to come out of the Headphone socket to the desk and what do you suggest I plug Into on the desk ? Regards Geoff

[@DonoDeluxe]

I want to have multiple friends over for recording a podcast. I wanted to have them all recorded on a seperate audio track so I could fix any errors in post in my DAW. Would you recommened a mixer or an interface? I would need like 4 channels.

[@AudioUniversity]

If you want to record to four separate tracks, you’ll either need a 4-track interface or a mixer with a built-in 4-track interface.

[@MarkusWITH_a_k]

Something like this I would use to bring in live music at a certain time without having to play it in background and hope it all comes through my speaking mic

[@mitchwongso6521]

Can I use the mixer (with build-in soundcard) for just vocal recording?

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes you can! Just connect it to your computer and record your vocals into a DAW.

[@griffittsgarage]

Thanks! I think I need an interface

[@crowsvoyage]

you do bruh , mixers pick up the beat in the background with your vocals

[@lolsunny9745]

Hey im a beatboxer an i have the Mackie profx6v3 and i wanted to use it by plugging it up to my ps4 usb port but its not working? I herd something about interfaces that need drivers downloaded to the interface cant be used on ps4 so im just needing pointers on how to get the right stuff ya know

[@AudioUniversity]

It's true that many interfaces require driver updates to your computer (or device). I don't have much experience with PS4, unfortunately, so I can't help. Good luck though! Thanks for watching.

[@alleun2279]

With a mixer, can I run my guitar amp head with pedals through a torpedo captor to the mixer?

[@tronwars7130]

I'm trying to get away from Win/Mac Big tech, I have Win for my Apollo X4/FL Stuidio on one pc but my primary pc is now Linux Debian which I recently installed Audacity on. I also have a Roland TX50 drum set with a Roland SPD SX pro. I will also get back into playing live, just small bar scenes in future. I'm looking at the Yamaha DM3 dante, I figure a very good digital mixer would offload a lot of DAW work, make up for lack of features in Audacity, nail it for mixing in live shows and be a gradual replacement for my Apollo x4, or, at least until UAD brings out a Linux platform (told they have recently hired linux engineers). Anyhow, I'm not a professional, not even an expert but I save money hard and try to buy good products as they last longer and are more compliant and interferace in general better than cheaper products. Any ideas ? I could I guess use both Win with Apollo and Linux with the rest somehow as well.

[@hamricmike8]

Couldn't you just run a mixer into the interface and then into the computer and have the best of both worlds? Or will that cause problems? It would be cool to have the extra inputs and controls that the mixer provides and still be able to use a 2 channel interface like the Presonus Audiobox.

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes you can. Check out this video: Connect A Mixer To An Audio Interface For Recording & Mixing kzbin.info/www/bejne/foLCo5l-prNngZo

[@hamricmike8]

@@AudioUniversity Thanks so much!!

[@VicLeonTV]

First off, another great video! For the scarlet audio interface, you mentioned it has 2 mic inputs and allows you to connect 2 mics. Can I plug in a guitar into one of those or are they only for mics?

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes. The 2i2 and greater have at least 2 combo jacks for mic or instrument input.

[@pzdipuing]

sir I'm using boss me25 as my audio interface,the problem is I don't know how much my audio input should be send in my daw,i really hate my recording as for now due to clipping 😁 any help would be very much appreciated,thank you for your helpful video though.....

[@AudioUniversity]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inSleayph7tnrNU

[@pzdipuing]

@@AudioUniversity thank you 🙏🙏

[@ToxicityFPS]

what if i want to do both recording and streaming ... which is the proper one for me !!!

[@AudioUniversity]

You’ll definitely need either an interface or a mixer with a built in interface to do recording or streaming.

[@vincentcrecca6061]

I'm using both an audio interface and a mixer with my DAW but do not know how to set them up correctly to work with each other.

[@AudioUniversity]

Hi, Vincent! There are several ways you could set it up depending on what you want to accomplish. Check out this video for inspiration: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r33WnZeIipxqptE

[@rev.min.stephenadomk.pepra9757]

I want to use a mixer as my audio interface can that be possible???

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes! You just need a mixer with a USB connection.

[@0211deidara]

Wait wait wait. Do i need an audio interface with the mixer too? Cause i want to connect my guitar to the PC cause i dont have amp (and pedals). Mixers are way cheapper than audio interface so if i can ony use a mixer im ok

[@21kd]

I still need to learn many from you, thank you n i subscribe ur channel 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@SunAndMirror]

2 questions. Which has less latency? & If I have 16ch mixer, it will be reduced to 2 tracks in my DAW?

[@nicklauspangilinan]

Still looking for an answer to this^^^

[@SunAndMirror]

@@nicklauspangilinanHello, I've since bought a little Digital Interface, and through College, ive found a couple things. I do have a Good Digital Audio Interface with very minimal lag, its almost imperceptable when playing/recording/monitoring...I dont want to give a wrong measurement but I feel its somewhere around 40-100ms depending on how many effects I use in the DAW. If I use too many digital effects, there is a huge delay sadly. But It does have a (near) Zero Latency monitor, but that bypasses the DAW effects...and you just hear Raw input (dry Guitar/Voice). This is enough for my needs. I do think a Mixer has much less lag, as it is mostly "Analog". Sound goes in, sound goes right out! A 16ch mixer unfortunately WILL be mixed down to 2 channels (left and right). Its not really incorrect, but its the old way of doing things, Outside of the "box" (box being the PC DAW) and to truly work inside of the box (inside of the PC DAW), for something like DRUMS which typically need anywhere from 4-16 seperate channels, you will need a 16ch Audio Interface...these are not cheap at all!! But it gives you access to isolating every single mic...Might be a little overkill for novice. Edit: There are mixers labeled MTK (multitrack) via USB but...i have very little experience with these, and they are EXPENSIVE!!! Even my little 4 channel Audio Interface is too much for me, I only use guitar and vocals. If youre recording with a buddy, or a band, you may need a large interface, but I reccommend a cheap little 2 or 4 channel just to get your "Sea Legs". Then when you are confident you know what you are doing, should upgrade to a 16 channel or whatever... I think the little 4channel Interface I have is good enough to serve me for a long while in the future. The benefit of an old fashioned mixer, is that you dont need a PC at all. which is GREAT for live playing. Just plug it into the PA and youre good to go... Although with a laptop and an Audio interface, you can mimic a old style mixer, and your Computer can open up more possibilities than just the old style Mixer alone... Hope this helps, man.

[@nicklauspangilinan]

@@SunAndMirror thanks for the in depth comment! Definitely helps man I just have one more question… Does the mixer have any noticeable difference in fidelity when recording instruments compared to an interface? Or does it record into the daw pretty high fidelity? Thanks again man

[@SunAndMirror]

@@nicklauspangilinanSure thing! No problem. I believe the fidelity should be exactly the same. As long as the output is the same, typically they output 48k samplerate, 24bit-depth (pretty standard with all devices now) Its should be MORE than sufficient audio resolution. The quality will be very high. There are higher qualities, (96k, 32bit float, etc, even up to 128k!!! crazy) but its kind of a novelty at that point unless youre stretching/slowing audio to RIDICULOUS levels, you wont percieve much difference. Even "lesser" qualities like 41.1k and 16 bit could be sufficient, but I wouldnt go lower than that...id stuck with 48k 24bit...the audio files it creates are pretty large, but its high fidelity enough that you do not lose quality when stretching or pitching notes waaaay down. In the final product, everything is mixed down to 41.1k and 16 bit anyway LOL....and when you consider most stuff will be listened thru some crappy laptop or cellphone speakers...or cheap earbuds, lol...not everyone will listen to our stuff on their Pro Audio Rig. Even DVD's and movies, TV stuff...the finals are all mixed down to 41k and 16bit. The highest our human ears can hear is about 20k...so a 41k samplerate wav file slowed to half speed will still give us 20.5k. The Sound Waves might not be perfectly replicated Sin waves, but its damn close...I dont think I could percieve a difference between a low quality 20kHz tone, or a high quality 20kHz tone...its all hisses to me Lol. And as we get older...we lose a lot of hearing above 16kHz... Slow the wav file to a quarter of original speed (2 octaves below original), and thats still 11.25kHz!...still retaining much of the critical audio data. sorry for math and length...i love this stuff :D

[@rogercarey5397]

But simply said I've made a interface out of gaming headphones. They have to have a preamp so a volume control built in but it works to hook mixer to cell phones

[@pamdhut7490]

Hi I have an apple iPad and apple iPhone what I want to do is go on KZbin find a song and sing with the music with my voice front of our church worshippers. (Basically use the music from the song ) can you please let me know if I should buy a interface or a mixer to connect to my iPhone. Thank you

[@ProAthlix]

Hey there ❤Can u please suggest me what is the best for podcasting 6 peoples ...can u link the device here please please reply🤌🏻

[@AudioUniversity]

QUESTION: Which one do you need? An audio interface or a mixer?

[@No-Pressure-Only-Results]

Mixer is way cheaper than audio interface so i go with mixer

[@addisonplummer3531]

Hey so if I want to plug in my headset and or mic to talk to my friends in discord can I use a mixer to alter my voice

[@AudioUniversity]

A mixer will give you basic control over your voice (usually just EQ and level, sometimes compression / gating and reverb). How would you like to alter your voice?

[@addisonplummer3531]

@@AudioUniversity I would like to change the bass and treble

[@AudioUniversity]

A mixer can do that for you, Dodorexia!

[@damonshuck7860]

Do I just need an audio interface to connect my groovebox to my computer?

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes. I would recommend an interface with analog inputs and MIDI. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJvLeZ-AjLtmgMU I believe you can also connect the groove box to your computer directly via usb.

[@damonshuck7860]

@@AudioUniversity so from what I gather from your video us that I would need the 4i4 because is had 2 inputs for my sequencer. Is that correct? Thanks!

[@AudioUniversity]

The 4i4 would be a good choice, yes. Not only does it have 4 analog inputs, but it also has MIDI in and out that could be used to trigger virtual instruments with your groovebox.